Plant-based meat company Planetarians to close; seeks potential buyers for 'verified, market-proven technology'
In an unprecedented move, startup Planetarians, based in California, is set to auction its intellectual property (IP) and assets on August 7, 2025. The auction, which aims to settle outstanding debts, presents a unique opportunity for a strategic buyer to acquire de-risked, market-validated technology with substantial growth potential.
The auction includes more than just the physical assets. It encompasses patents covering the core technology and products, valid until 2041, the rights to lease the pilot facility in Hayward, California, and the 'SpyGlass AI' platform. This comprehensive offering could provide a strategic shortcut to market-ready solutions for companies struggling with high retail prices and consumer demand for cleaner ingredient labels in the alternative protein market.
Planetarians' patented fermentation and extrusion technology addresses key industry challenges such as high production costs and consumer demand for cleaner ingredient labels by utilizing low-cost, sustainable inputs like brewing byproducts. This could enable buyers to rapidly enter or expand in the plant-based meat market with market-ready solutions that are more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.
The 'SpyGlass AI' platform extends the tech application to broader CPG product development, leveraging byproducts from industrial food production. This could transform how any major food company approaches innovation and sustainability by creating better-for-you versions of any CPG product using byproducts.
Planetarians achieved significant market validation with impressive sales figures. In 2024, the startup recorded $141k in school sales, and $135k from senior housing in 2023. Retail velocities were 2-4x higher than competitors, and 85% repeat rates were reported in foodservice.
The technology stack could offer cost savings, such as a chocolate bar with 25% less sugar, 120% more fiber, and 18% lower cost, or ramen with 32% more protein and 55% less sodium.
The founder of Planetarians, Aleh Manchuliantsau, stated that the current investment climate for food tech is challenging but the situation is more nuanced. He explained that the fundamental issue isn't their technology or market fit, but the mismatch between the capital intensity required to scale breakthrough manufacturing innovation and the current investor appetite for foodtech.
Despite the challenges, Manchuliantsau offers a 6-9 month strategic advisory period to facilitate a knowledge transfer, further reducing acquisition risk and enhancing the opportunity for the technology’s successful development and integration.
This auction represents a rare opportunity for a strategic buyer to make a significant impact on the alternative protein market and consumer packaged goods (CPG) product development. The exact acquirer has not been publicly disclosed yet.
Planetarians' auction is a testament to the potential of sustainable, cost-efficient technology in the alternative protein market. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and consumer demand for cleaner labels, this auction could mark a turning point in the industry.
References: [1] Planetarians Auction Press Release, 2025. [2] Manchuliantsau, A. (2025). Interview with TechCrunch.
- The auction of Planetarians' intellectual property and assets offers a unique chance for a strategic buyer to acquire market-validated technology in the alternative protein market, encompassing patents, lease rights, and the 'SpyGlass AI' platform, potentially revolutionizing food-and-drink product development.
- The acquisition could provide a strategic shortcut to market-ready solutions for businesses in the food industry, enabling them to enter or expand in the plant-based meat market with more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives.
- The 'SpyGloss AI' platform extends the application of Planetarians' technology to broader CPG product development, offering the potential to transform how major food companies approach innovation and sustainability by creating better-for-you versions of any CPG product using byproducts.
